382 



THE CARBONIFEROUS SYSTEM. 



larger and in some portions less elongated. That the creature had 

 stout ribs is shown by some fragments of these bones, but the vertebrae 

 are represented only by a few bodies of small relative size and perhaps 

 caudal. On the same surface were found the bones of a foot. It is 

 of small size relatively to the head, and was probably for swimming 

 rather than walking. A few ovate bony scales were found with the 

 bones, and probably belonged to this species. 



On the whole, it seems certain that Hylerpeton must have been 

 generically distinct from the other reptiles found with it, and it is 

 probable that it was of more aquatic habits, swimming rather than 

 walking, and feeding principally on fish. More perfect specimens 

 would, however, be required in order to warrant any decided statement 

 on these subjects. It is possible, as suggested by Prof. Owen, that 

 the affinities of the animal may be with Archegosanrus rather than 

 with any of the other coal reptiles ; but I confess that my present 

 impression is, that it tends rather toward the genus Hylonomus. It 

 may possibly be a link of connexion between the Microsauria and the 

 A rchrgosauria. 



Eosaurus Acadianus, Marsh. 

 Fig. 148. — Eosaums Acadianus, Marsh. Two vcrtehrce. — Natural size. 



Beside the species above described, Mr 0. C. Marsh, in 1861,* 

 added a new animal to the Joggins reptilian fauna — the Eosaurus 

 Acadianus. The species is founded on two large biconcave vertebrae, 

 in many respects resembling those of Ichthyosaurus, and indicating 



* The remains were discovered in 1855, though not published till 1861. 



